The Type 96
main battle tank was developed from the Type 85-III with minor
modifications. Sometimes it is referred as the the Type 88C or
ZTZ96. Its predecessor was mainly aimed at the export
market. The Type 96 entered service with Chinese army in 1997.
It replaced in production the previous Type 88 MBT. Production of
the original Type 96 ceased in 2005. It is estimated that over 1 500 of these
main battle tanks were built. Other sources claim, that 2 000-2
500 of these tanks were produced. The only export customer of this MBT
is Sudan.

The Type 96
MBT is armed with a fully-stabilized 125 mm smoothbore gun, fitted
with an autoloader. Both the gun and autoloader were copied from the
Soviet T-72. This main battle tank
might be compatible with the Russian AT-11 Sniper gun-launched
anti-tank guided missiles, or its Chinese copy. Maximum rate of
fire is 6 - 8 rounds per minute. A total of 42 rounds are carried.

The tank is
fitted with new computerized fire control system. It incorporates
laser rangefinder and automatic target tracker. This MBT can
engage moving targets accurately, while on the move. It has
a high first round hit probability against stationary and moving
targets, while the tank is firing on the move. Fire control system
of this tank is superior to those, used by the Soviet T-72 series
tanks. The Type 96 is also fitted
with a night vision system with image intensifier.

Secondary
armament is similar to all Russian and Chinese tanks. It consists of
coaxial 7.62 mm machine gun and another 12.7 mm machine gun, mounted
on top of the roof.

The Type 96
has steel and composite armor. Vehicle is fitted with NBC
protection and automatic fire suppression systems.

The Chinese Type 96
tank is powered by a turbocharged diesel engine, developing 1 000
hp. It seems that tanks exported to Sudan are powered by the older
and less powerful engine of the Type 85 tank, developing 730 hp. Engine and transmission are built in one module for easier
servicing and maintenance. It can be replaced within 40 minutes in
field conditions. The Type 96 has got steel tracks with optional
rubber pads. This main battle tank has a maximum road range of
400 km, which is extended to 600 km by adding external fuel tanks.
Vehicle can be fitted with a deep wading kit.

Variants

Type 96G
(also referred as Type 96A). It is an upgraded version of the Type 96, fitted with explosive reactive armor and
thermal imaging system for all-weather, day/night operation. It was
revealed in 2006. It is believed that upgraded vehicles approach the
Type 99 in terms of protection,
firepower and mobility. Weight of upgraded MBT increased to 42.8 t. All Type 96
tanks might be upgraded to this
standard. This tank is also proposed for export customers. Export
variant is fitted with passive countermeasures system, similar to
the
Russian Shtora-1. It reduces the chance of being hit by anti-tank
guided missiles with semi-automatic guidance. In 2016 a version of
the Type 96G emerged. It seems that it is fitted with new engine.

VT2 is an
export version with new turret. This MBT is proposed to various
countries.